Apple's Updated tvOS Improves Search, Siri, and Sign-In

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Apple's Updated tvOS Improves Search, Siri, and Sign-In

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New capabilities are coming the Apple TV.

As expected, Siri will get some enhancements in the updated version of tvOS. The voice assistant can now search the system's database of 650,000 movies and shows using more complex topical queries, such as the "high-school comedies from the '80s" example Apple VP Eddy Cue used onstage at today's WWDC keynote. Siri can also search YouTube if you ask it to, using spoken commands such as "search YouTube for Draymond Green repeatedly assaulting other players."

For streaming channels that include live programming, such as cable-company apps and Watch ESPN, Siri can now launch them immediately without having to futz around in the menu screen. Saying "watch (app name)" will quickly bring up a big-screen view of the live feed. If you'd rather futz around in the menu screen without having to wear sunglasses, rest assured there's a new "Dark Mode" that turns the background black.

Two of the biggest changes will use iOS as a proxy. The revamped Apple TV Remote app for iOS will now replicate all the features found in the hardware remote. It'll use the phone's mic for Siri queries, use its sensors for motion controls in games, and offer a touchpad interface. It'll also (still) one-up the hardware remote by offering a keyboard for text input. Also, any Apple TV-compatible app you download on iOS will automatically show up on your Apple TV now.

And finally, forget having to input a boatload of cryptic codes on other devices to link accounts to your set-top box. The Apple TV has a new single sign-on feature, which lets you sign in once to authenticate all the apps that are part of your cable subscription. That update will also make it clear what you have access to in your app arsenal due to your cable package.

While there weren't many details about additional tools for developers, Apple announced the new tvOS developer preview will be available today.